St. John’s established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Fire Safety Engineer

Role Description:

As part of the Public Safety Organization, the Fire Safety Engineer is a member of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety and reports directly to the Director, Department of Environmental Health & Safety. The Fire Safety Engineer manages the overall fire safety program and specific fire safety projects at all three (3) New York campuses: Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan. The Engineer resides at the Queen campus.

General responsibilities include delivery, management, and improvement of comprehensive fire safety programs for St. John’s University to secure life safety and reduce the potential of fire-related loss. This is accomplished with fire safety training and drills; inspection, maintenance and/or upgrades for fire safety detection and suppression equipment; NFPA, NYS, OSHA and FDNY code compliance; emergency response programs; among others. Specific duties are listed below.

Specific Duties:

• Secure a safe environment for the University community by managing a comprehensive Fire Safety Program across (3) NYC campuses (Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan). Develop and implement the appropriate fire protection, safety standards and practices.
• Perform and document all fire safety regulatory requirements, including inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire detection, suppression, and safety equipment.
• Manage all fire detection systems. Manage all fire suppression systems. Periodically inspect all University facilities, fire protection and safety equipment. Oversee the daily operation of these systems, especially in regard to any repair or construction-related activity. Manage external maintenance contracts for inspection, testing, repair, and upgrade for all equipment. Maintain appropriate records.
• Develop and deliver fire prevention, safety education and fire emergency training to the University community. Provide semi-annual training for Residence Life, Public Safety, and Facilities Services departments.
• Conduct requisite fire drills and other safety demonstrations as appropriate.
• Accompany any FDNY Inspectors and timely address any violations and corrective actions.
• Respond immediately to any fire related emergency at any campus.
• Develop and implement the University Emergency Response Plan. Direct the University Emergency Evacuation Volunteer program.
• Serve as the Impairment Coordinator and manage requisite fire guard/fire watch during equipment repair/downtime.
• Develop, review, and approve specifications for the design and installation of new or upgraded fire protection and safety equipment. Participate in the design and construction of new projects by reviewing the related fire safety issues. Oversee project implementation and construction in regard to fire safety issues.
• Manage the University’s Certificate of Fitness program and maintain records.
• Develop and maintain the University’s Fire Safety Web page.
• Maintain and interpret all applicable fire safety codes, rules, and regulations for the University community.
• Maintain relationships with local FDNY responders and inspectors. Maintain memberships with federal and local Fire Safety Associations.

Competencies:

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, or a related technical field required; Ten (10) years of experience as a Fire Safety Director/Engineer in a complex setting. Must have strong working knowledge of NFPA, OSHA and NYC Fire Safety codes and regulations; experience with fire safety management and training, interior fire alarm (IFA) systems, fire suppression systems, inspection, testing & repair, central station monitoring, and impairment management. Must be highly service-oriented, organized, and capable of working in a service environment handling multiple assignments. Must be computer literate with experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and web-based applications. Fire Safety experience in an academic, medical, or industrial setting desired. Project management experience, and familiarity with Siemens/Pyrotronics control systems considered a plus. Must possess appropriate FDNY Certificates of Fitness. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills required.

Required Education and Experience:

The employee must have a bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering or a related degree and minimum 10 years related experience in fire safety management and training, fire detection, suppression, & monitoring systems, and fire protection engineering projects. The candidate must have a strong working knowledge of NFPA standards and OSHA Subpart L Fire Safety regulations.

Preferred Education and Experience:

The preferred candidate will have a master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering or a related technical field and 10-15 years related experience in Fire Safety management at a university, hospital, or industrial setting. Experience with NYC Fire and Building codes is desired. Project management experience and familiarity with Siemens/Pyrotronics control systems considered a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Leadership responsibilities will include management and supervision of 2-3 employees (direct reports) plus 1-2 college work-study or intern students. This will involve training, coaching, interpersonal skills development, and conflict management. Prior supervisory experience is desired.

Work Environment:

The employee functions in a multi-campus, multi-building university setting, which may include work in certain atypical spaces as boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, roof tops, attics, basements, etc. Collegial interactions with colleagues, other employees, students, inspectors, contractors, and the University community-at-large occur across campus and in all the above-mentioned spaces.

Physical Demands:

This job's duties will require your physical presence across all buildings at all campuses and will involve significant walking and stair climbing, and occasional ladder climbing. The applicant will drive the Fire Safety vehicle and will require a valid driver’s license. Duties may occasionally require lifting to 50 lbs., using a fire extinguisher, and using hand-held monitoring devices. The employee is required to respond to fire-related emergencies across campus. Work will involve the ability walk about campus; stand; move about; sit; to carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; and communicate. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

Our programs are designed to minimize and/or eliminate hazardous exposures. However, the employee may experience certain low-level hazard exposures (i.e., Noise, Fumes, Odors, Gases, Dust, Hazards) while performing work duties.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of normal work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, certain employee responsibilities will require occasional work in the ‘off-hours,’ to include early morning, late evening, and weekends. Fire Safety Officers typically cover large-scale events. This position is classified as “essential personnel” and will require fire-related emergency response during normal and/or off-hour times as needed and on short-notice. Certain emergencies may require extended, on-campus presence for the protection of life safety.

Travel:

Travel is primarily local and will include visits to the other NYC campuses [Staten Island and Manhattan]. Periodic travel for training, conferences, etc. is out-of-area, and overnight travel may be required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Maintain (related) certification/license or can obtain it within 12 months of hire.

• FDNY Certificates of Fitness:
  • F-07 Fire & Emergency Drill Coordinator
  • F-89 Fire, Life & Safety Director
  • S-12/13/14 Supervision for Sprinkler & Standpipe
  • S-95 Supervision for Fire Alarm Systems
  • Others as required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $78,200 to $94,300. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time.

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Required Skills

Required Experience